Viewing the Total Lunar Eclipse and Blood Moon This March

A spectacular astronomical event is set to mesmerize skywatchers across the United States in the early hours of March 14, 2025. A total lunar eclipse will be visible, transforming the moon into a striking deep red hue, often referred to as a 'blood moon.'

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth obstructs sunlight that usually illuminates the moon. On the night of March 13 leading into the morning of March 14, the darkest part of the Earth's shadow, known as the umbra, will envelop the moon during its peak brightness. While partial lunar eclipses are relatively common, total lunar eclipses occurring simultaneously with a full moon are much rarer, with regions of Earth experiencing such an event only about once every two and a half years.

Later this year, on September 7, another total lunar eclipse will take place, visible primarily in eastern Africa, large segments of Asia, and the western regions of Australia.

The reddish appearance of the moon during this phenomenon is due to the interaction of sunlight with the Earth's atmosphere. Although visible sunlight appears white, it comprises various colors and frequencies. These wavelengths can be scattered or diffracted based on the thickness of the atmosphere they traverse. Consequently, the sky appears blue when the sun is high overhead but often turns red during sunset, as the light travels a longer distance through the atmosphere.

As sunlight enters the Earth's atmosphere during a lunar eclipse, shorter wavelengths, which appear blue, are scattered away from the umbra, while longer wavelengths, primarily red, are bent inward, casting a reddish glow onto the moon.

Timing of the Lunar Eclipse

NASA states that the total lunar eclipse will commence at 8:57 PM Pacific Time. In Mexico, the event will kick off at 10:57 PM CDT, while in Argentina, it will begin at 12:57 AM ART, and in Spain at 5:57 AM CET. As Earth's shadow gradually moves across the moon, observers will witness the satellite slowly losing its brightness leading up to the total eclipse, culminating in the blood moon. The totality phase, during which the moon appears red, is anticipated to occur at 11:26 PM PDT, lasting about one hour.

Here are the start times for totality across various countries in the Americas:

• Mexico: 1:26 AM
• Colombia: 1:26 AM
• Chile: 3:26 AM
• Argentina: 3:26 AM
• Peru: 1:26 AM

In Spain, totality is expected at 8:25 AM, which may limit visibility as daylight breaks. However, prior to dawn, viewers can enjoy the earlier phases of the eclipse.

To make the most of this celestial spectacle, astronomers recommend observing from locations away from the bright lights of urban areas. Ideal spots are elevated areas free from obstructions like buildings or trees. For enhanced viewing, utilizing binoculars or a telescope is advisable. Those keen on capturing photographs should use a camera mounted on a tripod, allowing for longer exposure times to ensure clarity.